Where I live, Lord,
the temperature is dropping
day by day – and night by night!
A few days ago
I searched my bureau, my closet
and the trunk of my car
for wool hats, warm gloves and scarves
to wrap me up and keep me warm
in the shivering cold weather
just around the corner…
But only prayer, Lord,
only prayer melts the chill
that settles in my soul when hope
in frosted darkness fades
at this lonely time of year…
Hold me close, Lord – swaddle me –
warm me in your strong embrace
’til my soul’s aglow, afire with heat
from the furnace of your heart…
Bundle me up in grace, Lord,
and warm me for the work
of wrapping your own, the homeless,
in the comfort of thick blankets
and woolen hats and glove and scarves:
protection from the elements
and the long cold death
that comes for the forgotten…
Clothe your people in your love, Lord,
that we might warm each other
in the warmth you share with us…
Protect us, Lord, while we’re awake,
watch over us while we sleep,
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
